Weekend round-up: Fitzpatrick & Watkins touch down in tough learning wins

Rather than blow-over opponents, Irish fighters were faced with tough opposition this weekend.

First up, Belfast lightweight Joe Fitzpatrick, who made a jump up in class to take on Sunderland upsetter Jordan Ellison at the York Hall. ‘The Dragon’ had his wings somewhat clipped, being knocked down in the second round off a short counter, but rose to box clever and grind out a 39-38 points win. The win in London saw Fitzpatrick learn some valuable lessons, and improve his record to 5(4)-0.

Swindon cruiserweight Luke Watkins also touched down on Friday night, but ‘The Duke’ recovered well to force a fifth round stoppage against Dangerous Latvian puncher Reinis Porozovs. The short-notice win stretches the Irish title hopeful’s unbeaten record to 8(5)-0.

On Saturday in Quincy, Massachuestes, lightweight Matt Doherty took on China’s former WSB champ Wang Zhimin. ‘The Mantis’ put in a brave performance against the blue-chip prospect, bringing him the eight rounds and providing the toughest test of his career thus fair. With the points loss Doherty, of Cork and Donegal stock, drops to 4(2)-3(0)-1.